Protein Powder Reviews
I don’t use a lot of protein powder, but I do use it often.
Almost every morning begins with a smoothie, including half a scoop of protein powder. That extra little kick of protein keeps me full in the morning.
When I’m really in the mood for a protein packed lunch, I’ll go for some Greek yogurt with a scoop of protein powder stirred in. (That’s a double punch of protein!)
Since my vegan days (and now my vegetarian days) I’ve tried a lot of different kinds of protein powder. There are still tons more out there, but these are a few I wanted to share today:
1. About Time Whey– Is it fair to start off with my favorite? I absolutely love the Birthday Cake flavor. This is the only protein powder I’ve been able to drink with just water, although I still prefer it in a smoothie. It dissolves well, it has a great flavor, and it doesn’t have added sugars (it’s sweetened with stevia) so it packs 25g of protein in just 100 calories. When I first ordered it from Amazon, they accidentally shipped me the chocolate flavor, so I’ve tried that one as well. It’s good, but I do prefer Birthday Cake.
2. Designer Whey– This one is easy to find (it’s sold in most Trader Joe’s, grocery stores, etc.) and the overall taste isn’t bad. I’ve tried both chocolate and vanilla (I think I prefer the chocolate). These are reasonably priced, so I’d consider this a second place. I still have some on hand, which I’ve used in different recipes, and it seems to come out fine.
3. Vega– If you’re a vegan, you’ve probably come across this plant based protein. Honestly, the taste isn’t bad. I liked the berry flavor best (which is strange, since I don’t normally prefer the fruity ones) but my biggest complaint is how expensive it is. Plant based protein seems to be more expensive in general, but at almost $50 a tub, I can’t quite justify that.
4. Gen-Soy– I also tried soy protein back in my vegan days, and this was my least favorite. It had a bit of a funky flavor, and it didn’t seem to dissolve as well in my smoothies. I was also using soymilk at the time (I’ve since switched almost exclusively to almond milk) so I was also a little wary of adding even more soy to my diet. This one lost on taste, texture, and ingredients.
I’ve also tried hemp protein powder and rice protein powder but I didn’t like either one, and I couldn’t remember the brands, so I decided not to post a formal review. I’ll just say I didn’t like them and leave it at that 😉
If you’re not into shakes or smoothies, there are plenty of other things you can do with protein powder:
Try these banana bread protein muffins!
My roommates make fun of my when my giant 2lb tubs of protein come in from Amazon, but I always have to have some on hand! I think my next protein recipe will be some kind of homemade protein bar… lately I’ve been so on-the-go that I’ve needed some protein packed snacks! If you have a recipe to share, let me know!
yes enjoy our protein powders, great for fast tasty protein filled meals or snacks. we love plant based protein powders, hopefully overtime the price goes down.
I use lots of protein powder–I actually have a powder-review post planned myself. Great minds thinking alike, yet again! I second Sarah’s recommendation of Plant Fusion, I LOVE that stuff, my current favorite by far.
i never used protein powder before – but after reading this i’m considering! 🙂
Vega is the only one I’ve had experience with because I don’t mess with protein powder too much… but the stuff I had? Chocolate flavored and DELICIOUS.
Honestly, I bought a generic brand from Wal-Mart. I don’t use it too often (once every 2 wks, if that) but the stats aren’t too bad. 24g protein-110 calories-less than 5g sugar. The apple cinnamon muffins sound delicious and something that would work well with my upcoming busy semester!
I think I’m the only person who can’t stand Vega? Why is it so gross. I can tolerate their plain smootie infusions, but the flavored ones… bleh! I use Manitoba Harvest hemp protein or raw hemp hearts… I like that it’s not too unnaturally refined or turned into a chemical laced powder. The body can actually utilize the nutrients. Plus I like that hemp is a complete protein. 😀
Haha isn’t it funny the way people can hate or love the same thing??
Manitoba Harvest is really good. I’ve had great success using it in baked goods in place of flour.
I am definitely a sunwarrior kind of girl! i have been using the vanilla and love it! i dont like the chalky taste of most other protein powders.. so it was hard for me to find a good onee. I also like hemp protein powder and pea protein is quite good too.
I’ve heard great things about Sun Warrior! I’ll have to give it a try!
Birthday cake flavor?!?! What in the world, I must get that!
It’s SO Good! Seriously, try it!!!
My current favorite is PlantFusion. I LOVE it…but again, I have to use it sparingly because it can get pricey. [Drugstore.com has good prices usually.] I’ve only recently gotten into protein powders and whatnot with my amped up running and it has been interesting to test out different ones. I don’t think I’m very discriminating though. I wish that the plant-based versions weren’t so much more expensive…[Or does it just feel that way?]
I actually have been using the Living Harvest Vanilla Spice Hemp Protein a lot lately after it has languished in my fridge for months. I make a little spread with some almond milk and applesauce. I love the flavor, but it is not good straight up.
Great reviews girl! I’m a huge fan of about time birthday cake too, it tastes like heaven! 🙂
My favorite protein is Muscle Gauge Nutrition’s pure isolate in vanilla– best protein I’ve ever had! I swear crack is one of the ingredients haha
Ohh I’ve never heard of that one but I’ll have to try it!
The accident of finding this post has breietgnhd my day
Gale Norton is about to resign as Secretary of the Interior; perhaps you’d like to check out her interior, eh?Sure, she’s a little old, but Condi is 50, so try and be a little lenient.